Fixtures

Frisking the Fixtures – Gameweek 18 – The Strong

With the season entering a crucial stretch over the festive period, we’ve given the Season Ticker rating a thorough update. Crystal Palace could be set to profit from a very favourable festive period, whilst West Ham and West Brom also have reason for optimism.

Crystal Palace

frisking

Alan Pardew’s side are full of confidence with four wins from their last six matches, and offer up plenty of viable options for Fantasy managers to ponder at either end of the pitch. The fixtures against Bournemouth and Aston Villa in the next four look particularly favourable, with both sides among the fives teams conceding the most shots from inside the box over the last four Gameweeks. The home clash against Swansea also looks potentially advantageous, given the Welsh side have yet to keep a clean sheet on their travels this season. Yannick Bolasie (6.2) should attract some investment, then, with the DR Congo international the stand-out attacking option at Selhurst Park with Yohan Cabaye struggling to shake off a heel problem.

The Eagles have conceded just three goals in their last four matches, but only the Swansea and Villa match-ups look favourable in the next six. Bournemouth have scored eight times over the last four Gameweeks, while Chelsea’s season could perhaps be about to kick-start after a promising display against Sunderland last weekend. Man City and Tottenham also appear likely to score against Palace, so while owners of Scott Dann (5.5) will be more than happy to hold, he may need to bring home attacking points to justify his price tag. Wayne Hennessey still offers great value at 4.1 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL).

West Ham

frisking

The Hammers have played out three consecutive goalless draws, so with only the match against City in Gameweek 23 looking truly difficult in the next six, interest in their defensive assets should certainly be on the rise. Villa have only scored in three of their five home matches, while Newcastle feature among the bottom five sides for shots from inside the box over the last four Gameweeks. Southampton have only managed to score twice in their last four matches, while Liverpool have failed to net in two of their previous three. With Slaven Bilic adopting a more defensive gameplan in the absence of so many of his key attacking players, investment in the likes of Aaron Cresswell (5.5) or James Tomkins (5.0) could pay off over the next few weeks.

Although the West Ham attack is seriously depleted right now, Bilic expects the likes of Dimitri Payet (7.7) back before mid-January, whilst the imminent return of Manuel Lanzini (5.3) also helps in the final third. All of the fixtures over the next six Gameweeks are pretty reasonable, with the clashes against Villa, Southampton, Bournemouth and Newcastle in particular standing out.

West Brom

frisking

While the Baggies have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last seven matches, the fact they face three favourable home clashes (NEW, STO, AVL) in the next six bodes well for their backline’s prospects. Newcastle have managed the joint-fewest number of goal attempts (29) over the last four Gameweeks, while Stoke have only scored three times in four. Additionally, Swansea are another team struggling for goals, having failed to score in five of their last seven, while Southampton haven’t found the back of the net in two of the previous three at St Mary’s. Craig Dawson (5.1) looks the best option at the back, with Ben Foster’s return to training casting doubt over how much longer Boaz Myhill (4.8) will be the first-choice goalkeeper.

The outlook for the West Brom attack isn’t so bright, given Salomon Rondon and James McClean will serve three-match suspensions after being sent off against Bournemouth. The Newcastle and Villa match-ups stand out as favourable clashes in the next six, while the fixtures against Swansea and Southampton are also reasonable. There are doubts as to who will lead the line in Rondon’s absence, though, with Rickie Lambert (5.4) and Saido Berahino (5.9) potentially sharing playing time, although the latter could also replace McClean out wide. Given that Pulis’ men having only scored 17 goals this season, it’s unlikely we will be looking to the Hawthorns for differentials among our midfield and forward lines.

ALSO CONSIDER…

Man United
The one piece of good news for Louis van Gaal on Saturday was Anthony Martial (7.7) scoring for the first time since his brace against Southampton in Gameweek 6. The matches against Swansea and Newcastle in the next four are favourable for the Frenchman’s prospects, while clashes against Stoke and Chelsea are fairly reasonable. None of United’s other attacking assets are really staking a claim for investment right now, though – despite his goal, Martial’s move to the right flank dents his appeal further.

Given Chris Smalling (6.8) returned to the starting XI against Norwich on Saturday, it was a big surprise to see United conceding twice against the Canaries. With only the trip to Anfield in Gameweek 22 looking unfavourable in the next six (sto, CHE, SWA, new, liv, SOT), the United rearguard should get back on track over the next month. David de Gea (5.7) offers the other safe option for Fantasy managers to consider.

Arsenal
With Mesut Ozil (9.9), Theo Walcott (8.3) and Aaron Ramsey (8.1) all producing the goods in recent matches, we’re currently spoilt for choice for Gunners midfield assets, with Olivier Giroud (9.0) also a viable option among the forwards. The next three fixtures (sot, BOU, NEW) make the option of doubling up on the Arsenal attack hugely tempting, with rotation perhaps less likely following the news Alexis Sanchez is set to sit out the festive period.

Bournemouth and Southampton currently top the table for goal attempts over the last four Gameweeks, with 61, so defensive returns aren’t necessarily on the cards in those two matches. The Saints are struggling to convert those attempts into goals, though, while the Newcastle and Stoke match-ups in the next six look decent, so the likes of Hector Bellerin (5.9) and Laurent Koscielny (6.0) could be worthwhile options at the back.

Aston Villa
The midlands outfit have only managed one clean sheet in six matches under Remi Garde, but with low-scoring West Ham, Sunderland and West Brom to face over the next six Gameweeks, there could be some upside in owning a Villa defender over this period. The Norwich fixture in Gameweek 19 also looks reasonable, given the Canaries have registered the fewest numbers of shots from inside the box over the last four Gameweeks, with just 14. Micah Richards (4.4) looks the only secure starter, though it remains to be seen if he’ll recover from a knee injury in time for the Hammers clash.

While none of Villa’s next six (WHM, nor, sun, CPL, LEI, wba) are unfavourable in terms of attacking potential, the lack of a plum fixture means we’re unlikely to be seriously considering a Villa attacker for our 15-man squads. Jordan Ayew (5.5) has been the shining light in recent weeks, but the Ghanaian is one yellow card away from serving a one-match ban, while although Jordan Veretout (5.6) has racked up three assists in his last four outings, the Frenchman simply looks overpriced.

Norwich
The Canaries haven’t been on our radars when it comes to providing budget options at the back so far this season, but with only the trip to Tottenham unfavourable in the next six (tot, AVL, SOT, sto, bou, LIV), the likes of Russell Martin (4.4) and Declan Rudd (3.9) could provide some value over the next few weeks.

With Tottenham and Stoke among the stronger defensive units, it’s only the Villa match-up that looks favourable in the next six, with the Southampton and Bournemouth fixtures perhaps providing decent opportunities for Alex Neil’s men in attack. Wes Hoolahan could be of interest with his price now down to 4.8 in FPL, but in truth the Canaries attack is unlikely to capture the imagination of Fantasy bosses.

Tottenham
With three favourable matches (NOR, eve, SUN) over the next five Gameweeks, the Spurs attack looks worth tapping into. Everton have let in nine goals in their last five matches at Goodison Park, while Sunderland have conceded three times at Arsenal and Chelsea in recent weeks. Harry Kane (9.7) and Dele Alli (5.2) are the two obvious options for us to ponder over.

Coming up against three of the form strikers over the next four Gameweeks (Odion Ighalo, Romelu Lukaku and Jamie Vardy), defensive points could be difficult to come by after this weekend’s favourable home clash against Norwich. The Sunderland fixture in Gameweek 22 is very favourable, though, so with attacking returns also a possibility for Toby Alderweireld (5.9) and Eric Dier (5.3), the pair offer solid options at the back.

1,688 Comments Post a Comment
  1. yer_ould1
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    I can't afford Smalling, who is more nailed on out of Borthwick-Jackson and Varela?

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Lol

      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Lolx2

      2. yer_ould1
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks for your help..

        1. Hypnos
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          neither are even likely to start this week

    2. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Neither

    3. asy1mpo
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Neither are certain to start.

    4. tris
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Hahaha..get both altogether bhahaha

  2. Hypnos
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    LvG: “Has anybody in this room not a feeling to apologise to me? That’s what I’m wondering. I think I was already sacked, I read.”
    he's cracked

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      The press are scum

      The guy is doing his job and the press are making stuff up and printing lies

      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        But they do that all the time - not saying its right but that's the way it is

      2. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Yes - I feel really sorry for the bloke earning money the ordinary man can only dream of for what seems to be not a lot of output

    2. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Gone mental

    3. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      sounds defeated

  3. HVT
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    please pick:
    A - Vardy + Stan > Aguero + Alli
    B - Vardy + Stan > Ighalo + Ramsey
    Thanks.

    1. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      B

  4. Kno
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    any glaring errors in this team or goodish to go?

    lloris (hennesey)

    smalling ward bellerin ( moreno vvd )

    kdb ozil rambo mahrez (c)

    kane lukaku vardy

    1. Chris_H
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      No. Yes. 🙂

    2. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      GTG!

  5. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    C'mon LVG every manager gets the same treatment, you're not the only one getting the media backlash

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      You can't question the philosophy.

    2. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      It's not a backlash more of a media led campaign to generate a story

      They are paid to report the news not make the news up

      1. Bøwstring The Carp
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        I understand, but it's been like that for years. Not saying it ought to be, but it is.

        Surely LVG knew what they were like when he came here from looking at their attack on Pellegrini and Mourinho earlier in the season.

        Besides they were talking about the fans being upset and voicing their displeasure, which the fans have been doing a lot this season. Look at how many fans want him gone now that Mourinho/ Guardiola/ Ancelloti are available

        1. Pointsonthebench
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          Pellegrini seems to handle the media pressure the best out of the top 4 managers. Never flustered with Pep questions.

          1. Somalion
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 5 months ago

            Because he's permanently baked.

      2. Jøssy ⭐
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Do you think there aren't discussions going on questioning his future? I'm pretty confident this speculation is not "made up"

  6. Kered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    So Sunderland to park the bus vs city with their injuries?
    Either it works well and holds Kun to only 1 goal.. or they lose focus and he scores 3 in 60 minutes.

    I'm so torn.

    1. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      City to win but not emphatically.

      Aguero to blank (I hope) cos still lacking fitness and match sharpness

  7. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    A) Bolasie + KDB (Bench Vardy)

    B) Bolasie/Eriksen/YYT + Kun (Sell Vardy)

    Cheers 🙂

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      A

  8. HVT
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    I heard this morning from a good source Lvg has 2 games to prove himself.
    After that presser I'm not so sure.

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Hope they win those two games

  9. BantamPhil
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Seriously considering benching Vardy for Alli

    1. King Henrik
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Same here. Only thing stopping me is .. I think the Liverpool game will be full of goals. And Vardy is Mr Goals

  10. Judas
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    I have 2 FT, defence is fine and strikers are fine (if Vardy is fit), what to do with my MIDs?

    KDB, Ozil, Ayew, Mahrez, Deulofeu

    A: Deulofeu ---> Ramsey
    B: Ayew ---> Ramsey
    C: Or is another Mid a better option?

    1. Teror
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Ramsey or Walcott, I'd say. Probably dump Ayew rather than Deulofeu.

  11. Teror
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Not sure what to do with my FT this week.

    One of Giroud, Lukaku, Kane > Aguero?

    I was thinking Kane, but feel like Lukaku has started to creak. Aguero looked pretty useless against Arsenal too.

    Moreno > Aderweirald/Dier? Tomkins?

    Save FT?

    1. Boyd to Sven
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      After wavering all day I'm leaning towards leaving Aguero out for the time being.

  12. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    I really think Stoke are going to do United

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      yea they will

    2. SweeSwee
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      They'll come from behind

    3. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Draw

  13. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    LvG: "You said my colleague (Mourinho) was here already. So you think I want to talk to the media?" #MUFC

    1. UglyRussian
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Where can I watch his presser? Kind of interested to listen to his shananigans

    2. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      if he doesn't want to talk to the media get lost

  14. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    What happens if United beat Stoke convincingly ? Big if I know but what If ?

    1. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      LVG is a goner regardless

      1. Syd.
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        So Giggs will take over as I can't see United going anywhere near Mourhino

        1. KingNidge
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          A couple of years ago i may have agreed with you but i dont think they can possibly look anywhere else now..

    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      They'll get 3 points

    3. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      then lvg has a lifeline

    4. SweeSwee
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Won't happen. Players know they're one disappointing performance away from getting the special one. United will be dire.

      1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        Expecting a Butland 6 pointer with no save points

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 5 months ago

          this.

      2. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        You think they want Maureen? Chelsea players wanted rid of him!

  15. Özilla Firefox
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Captain: Mahrez Ramsey or Kun?

    1. Eden Hazardous
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Ramessi

    2. Morbius
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Kun

  16. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    One free transfer.
    De gea
    Kolarov Toby azpi
    Sterling mahrez barkley ozil
    Vardy kane lukaku

    Moreno Dawson Westwood

    One question
    Kane to aguero for free?

    1. Sylas
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Nope! I'd save...

  17. Tadic is the new Eriksen
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Play Alli or Ramsey?

    1. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      ramo

    2. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Alli.. Sot'on will park the bus!

  18. Jax
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Man city last 6 games

    0-0 (a) villa
    1-4 (h) liverpool
    3-1 (h) southampton
    0-2 (a) stoke
    2-1 (h) swansea
    1-2 (a) arsenal

    Judging by their recent form it doesn't look like aguero will get the massive haul people think he will get v sunderland.

    1. Tadic is the new Eriksen
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      He's also out of form, has absolutely no sharpness, will get limited minutes, and is made of glass

      Waste of 13 mil

    2. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Sunderland will park the bus for sure

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        City on paper should win comfortably but recent results suggest otherwise

    3. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      In fairness they lost 2-1 to West Ham at the Etihad and 4-1 to Tottenham at WHL before Kun knocked 5 past Newcastle

      Sunderland missing Kaboul, so Wes Brown comes in also boosts his chances

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        won't get 5 goals

  19. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    you have to feel sorry for LvG. He is just trying to do his job and the Utd fans are cheering for another manager's name. Very disrespectful IMO

    1. Syd.
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Indeed but that's the low life press for you

    2. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      maybe we should take a leaf out of the Liverpool fans book who were so supportive of Brendan Rodgers right until the end

      lol

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        you've gotta stop that bell-ringing! 😆

      2. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 5 months ago

        We did the same with Steve Keane..

    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Pellegrini says he has a fully fit Man City squad, with Samir Nasri the only long-term absentee #MCFC @MirrorFootball

    1. Ziro Becomes One
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      TM would say "stickies". 🙂

  20. King Henrik
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    LvG: “I wish you a Merry Christmas and also maybe a Happy New Year when I see you. Enjoy the wine and a mince pie. Good bye.” #MUFC

  21. For Fuchs Sake
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Play Alli or Vardy? Have Mahrez...

  22. KVR gooner
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Captain kun or ozil or lukaku???

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      Kane

  23. Bobbydhino - ⚒ Saint Slav…
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Thoughts on this Scout Slayer and 26 pt margin?

    Hennessy
    Creswell-Kompany-Ivan
    Ozil-Yaya-Mahrez-Alli
    Ighalo-Lukaku-Kun

    I need to win by a margin of 26 points or more.

  24. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    I have 2 FTs to play with and 1.2 banked. What are my best moves?

    Butland
    Kolarov - Moreno - Van Dijk
    Silva - Ozil - Coutinho - Mahrez
    Lukaku - Vardy - Aguero

    Hennessey ; Alli - Ogbonna - Dawson

    1. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 5 months ago

      VVD -> Bellerin
      Moreno -> Dann

  25. El-Kloppico
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Folks, need your help.. Should I go AOA, with Vardy doubtful or play one more defender?

    DDG (McCarthy)
    Alder - Dawson - (Moreno - VVD - Targett)
    Willian - Mahrez - KDB - Ozil - Alli
    Kane(c) - Vardy - Lukaku

    Any idea? Am i gtg?

  26. Pumpkinhead
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Igahlo has played 60 games for Watford and scored 35 goals. (58.3%). Still don't own him :S

  27. Mintu
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 5 months ago

    Hi Happy X'mas, Can anyone explain what is Double game week and when it occur.Thank in advance